Joseph Benkert

Joseph Albert Benkert (born January 17, 1951) is an American naval officer and diplomat who served as an officer in the United States Navy, and as an appointed official in the George W. Bush Administration. He joined the Cohen Group in 2009 after serving as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs. Benkert currently serves on the board of International Relief and Development Inc. In October 2018, He joined Morrison & Foerster as a National Security Advisor.

Benkert is notable for testifying before the United States Congress.

Early life and education
Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, Benkert graduated from Franklin County High School in 1969. He earned a B.S. degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 and later received a M.P.P. degree from the Kennedy School at Harvard University in 1979.

Naval career
A career surface warfare officer, Benkert served on active duty from June 1973 to April 2003, retiring as a captain. He commanded the frigate McCloy from August 1987 to July 1989, the cruiser Josephus Daniels from May 1992 to January 1994 and Destroyer Squadrons 22 and 32 from May 1996 to July 1997.

Captain Joseph A. Benkert was named in the lawsuit David Alan Carmichael v. United States. Benkert was Carmichael's commanding officer, and, according to Carmichael's complaint, Benkert's subordinate suppressed written communications intended for Benkert. The failure of the Navy to properly process the religious accommodation request eventually led to the service member's dismissal without proper cause.

Forum participant evaluating Iraqi reconstruction
In March 2007 Benkert participated in a forum evaluating the problems that plagued American efforts to help reconstruct Iraq.

Congressional testimony on the use of gas
On September 27, 2006, while serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, Benkert testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Executive Order 11850, signed in 1975, proscribed the US from using chemical weapons. According to Benkert, it was the position of the Bush Presidency that riot control agents, like tear gas, should not be considered chemical weapons.

Congressional testimony on Guantanamo captives
In early May 2007 Benkert and two other officials testified before Congress that 30 released Guantanamo captives had returned to the battlefield.

Press releases
On May 9, 2007, Benkert was quoted on the future of the Guantanamo detainees:

"Neither the president nor the secretary has said we're going to close it tomorrow, ...

There are no readily available facilities to take these guys,"

On April 11, 2007, Benkert was quoted commenting on a facility in southwestern Siberia to destroy American and former Soviet era nerve gas.

Personal life
Joseph Benkert is married to the former Gail DeVeuve, and together have two children Stephen and Suzanne.